So, you’re working a 9-5 job that isn’t totally cutting it, and you know you have skills that aren’t being utilized. Well, the good news is, you’ve made a very valuable discovery. Many people have skills that aren’t relevant to their workplace, and they leave money on the table by leaving those skills alone. For example, if you’re working a desk job, you’re skills as an ex-busser at a restaurant aren’t being used. Well, bussers have very lucrative cleaning and communication skills, and you have free time on the weekends. Private cleaning services often cost around $100/hr, and a sole proprietor could easily make $25/hr right off the bat. The question here is, how do you start to make money off of your skills?
Craigslist
Craigslist is the most versatile and widespread way to make money off of any hobby or trade. With massive traffic, and easy-to-create ads, the independent worker can see amazing income potential pretty rapidly. If you can clean, post an ad for cleaning homes or office buildings. Have some previous experience working on cars? Offer basic maintenance services for brands you’re comfortable working on. Labor-focused skills do very well on Craigslist, so if you’re looking to make extra money on the weekends, putting an ad up is a risk-free way to make sure you are maxing out your income.
Fiverr
This one is for you digitally-inclined folks. The types of services that thrive on Fiverr are those that can be delivered over the internet. These include resume writing, digital art, and even blog posts like this one. Heck, I even made some extra cash writing backstories for customers’ Dungeons & Dragons characters for a while. While the services one would offer on Fiverr can vary widely in value, it is a great place for those who aren’t ready to put themselves at risk by meeting random customers in person. Fiverr allows you to set any price you want for your services, but beware that they do take a decent cut. As a result, this one is definitely for those who are just starting out and haven’t built a customer base quite yet.
Flipping
Do you have sales experience and miss the commission lifestyle? Flipping is definitely the more intensive option on this list, and involves a little more risk. Along with these factors, it can also be the most lucrative on a per-hour basis. They key here is to focus on something you have knowledge of, and capital to purchase. These items can be anything from bags and shoes all the way to cars and houses. Being in such a high-risk/high-reward game, you want to make sure you are an expert on the value of the products you are going to buy and sell. People have made legitimate fortunes doing this, but it comes with a price. This one is for those who are truly knowledgeable in a field, have sales skills, and have the ability to lose the money they spend without missing a meal. Never bank on the success of a flip, and only do this from a point of financial security.
All in all, you must identify which of these paths is the right one for you. Each comes with its own level of risk, and have a pretty evenly balanced reward. Be honest with yourself and your skillset, and don’t bite off more than you can chew. It is very important to make sure your experience brings value to your life, and taking some time on the weekends to dip your toe into these strategies is a great way to increase the value of your labor. Who knows, you may even end up with a job that fits you better than your office gig in the long run.
Trey LaRocca is a freelance writer, financial sales worker, and tech guy. When he isn’t out and about or at work, he’s usually at home enjoying some video games and a beer. Currently residing in Newport Beach, this California Kid can be found at the beach on any given weekend. Trey has years of experience in day/swing trading, financial analytics, and sales.